Shake and Pour Pancake Mix -
A Perfect Camping Breakfast

This shake and pour pancake mix in a jar lets you make homemade pancakes in a flash.

Make the mix at home, put it in an airtight container, and bring it to camp. When you wake up hungry, all you'll have to do is add a couple of ingredients to the container and give it a shake. Your pancake batter is ready to use!

Make a small batch using the directions below, to see if you like this method. If you do, make a big batch and be set for a whole season of camping! You'll find directions for a huge batch at the end of the page.

At home

Gather your ingredients. There aren't many!

The ingredients for shake and pour pancake mix

Here's all you need:

flour

baking powder

salt

dry milk powder

shortening

Get to work

In a large bowl, mix 2 cups/500 mL flour, 1 Tbsp/15 mL baking powder, 1/2 tsp/2 mL salt and 1/2 cup/125 mL dry milk powder.

Add 1/2 cup/125 mL shortening.

Cut in the shortening. I use a pastry blender for this job, but you could also use a couple of knives, or a fork, or a food processor.

cutting in shortening with pastry blender

When the mixture has turned into coarse crumbs, you're done.

That's all there is to it!

Now, divide the mixture in two equal parts. Put one part in an unbreakable airtight container. A 32 ounce Nalgene jar works well.

Put the other half in an airtight storage container and put it aside for later.

Label the container:

Shake and Pour Pancake Mix

Add 1 cup/250 mL water and 1 egg. Replace lid. Shake vigorously.

At camp

Get ready

Set up the stove and get out your skillet, flipper, plates and cutlery.

Get set

Take the lid off the container of pancake mix. Break an egg into the container. Add 1 cup/250 mL water.

Replace the lid. Make sure that it's on securely! Shake the container vigorously until everything is well mixed.

Go!

Heat your skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan with vegetable oil or butter.

Pour some batter into the skillet. When the edges are firm and you see bubbles on top, flip the pancake over. Cook until the bottom side is cooked.

Serve with syrup, jam, or your favorite pancake toppings.

Make a big batch!

Why not make a giant batch of shake and pour pancake mix? It will last for up to six weeks in the cupboard - or you can freeze it for several months.

When you are ready to go camping, just scoop 2 cups/500 mL of the mixture into your handy container. You might want to bring the whole batch along so that you can have pancakes every day!

Quantities for a large batch

9 cups/2250 mL flour

1/3 cup/80 mL baking powder

4 tsp/20 mL salt

1 3/4 cups/420 mL dry milk powder

1 3/4 cups/420 mL shortening

Are these pancakes any good?

Yes, they are - but in my opinion they are not quite as good as regular pancakes from scratch. I prefer the texture and taste of regular pancakes.

The convenience of the ready made mix almost makes up for their less-than-perfect texture, though - and they are awfully fun to make!

Can I make this mix with wheat-free flour?

I'm sorry, but no.

I tried making this recipe without using wheat, and I didn't have success. Sadly for those of us who try to reduce our wheat intake, regular wheat flour seems to be a necessary part of this recipe.

I do have some delicious healthy muffin recipes that work without wheat, though!

I hope you enjoy this shake and pour pancake mix! For lots more great camping food ideas, visit this page.

The Camping Family home page is the place to go when you are planning a family camping trip. You'll find lots of helpful information.